Bradshaw Resigns as Simi Valley’s Basketball Coach

Dean Bradshaw, Simi Valley High’s highly successful boys’ basketball coach for the past 11 seasons, announced his resignation Monday, saying he wanted to spend the next two years watching his teenage son, Ryan, play the sport.

Bradshaw, 45, compiled a 215-81 record after replacing Bob Hawking in 1988. The Pioneers won four Marmonte League championships, were runners-up for the 1993 Southern Section Division I-AA title and semifinalists the last two years, losing to Mater Dei and Artesia.

Under Bradshaw, Simi Valley became a regional basketball powerhouse, attracting top players and controversy. A steady flow of transfers to Simi Valley angered some fellow coaches.

Bradshaw’s most difficult moment came during the 1993-94 season, when he was suspended for the Pioneers’ final nine games for shoving senior guard Sam Rodriguez during an on-court disagreement.

Longtime assistant Christian Aurand, a former Simi Valley player, is considered the leading candidate to replace Bradshaw. Two years ago, Aurand almost became the coach at Hart before deciding to stay at Simi Valley.

“[Aurand] won’t miss a beat,” said Coach Steve Johnson of Newbury Park, a former Simi Valley assistant. “He’s very thorough and knows the game inside and out.”

Bradshaw said he is not ruling out a return to basketball, but he plans to be a dedicated father and fan, watching Ryan, a junior guard at Simi Valley.

Coaches expressed surprise at Bradshaw’s departure.

“I thought he’d see it through Branduinn Fullove and Brett Michel’s graduation,” Johnson said. “I know he has a very special relationship with Ryan and has seen other father-son [coaching] relationships and how difficult it can be.”

Bradshaw leaves with his program on top. The Pioneers return four starters from their Division I-A semifinalist team and are expected to be rated No. 1 in the region in the preseason.

“I think it could be one of our best teams,” Bradshaw said.